Syracuse students agree: We don't have strong feelings about Bucknell one way or the other.
The NIT Season Tipoff continues as Bucknell makes the 3hr15m trip from PA up to Syracuse to take on the Orange. Bucknell shouldn't present too much of a challenge, but let's get into it.
Bucknell's offense works though their point guard Jimmy Sotos, who is very good and distributing the ball and getting the Bison in position to tie for first place in the Patriot League last season. He's averaging 4.7 assists a game, and his success will indicate how close Bucknell can keep this game. If he's unable to make good passes in the zone, and causes a lot of turnovers, it should be a blowout for Syracuse. If Sotos is making good passes and getting his team to convert, Syracuse will obviously have a much tougher time to pull away. Bucknell is an interesting team in that they have pretty good offense, especially from behind the arc, but are a pretty bad defensive team. Arguably their best offensive player comes off the bench ala Dion Waiters. John Meeks leads the team in scoring coming off the bench. He hits 44% from three, so Syracuse will have to keep track of him on the floor. That being said, this bodes a good matchup for the Orange. If Syracuse is able to play some lock down defense and plug the paint with good movement and long arms, Bucknell will be forced to shoot threes, and Syracuse should get some rebounds and transition points. And this will also allow Syracuse to get good shots and even drive the ball more in this game. Not to mention the fact that Syracuse is a taller team with Sidibe and Dolezaj should be able to rebound pretty easily both in the zone and on the offensive end. Syracuse over Bucknell by 22. This game is available on The ACC Network at 12:00pm. John will be watching from the road, and I'll be coming in hot to see the game. Go Orange!
Labels: Basketball, Preview
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